Why Weeds Grow in Paver Patios, Paver Patio Weed Prevention & Maintenance Richmond, VA Patio Builder

The growth of unwanted weeds between the pave stones on your patio or pathways not only adds an untidy look to your outdoor living space.  It also adds a very annoying task to the maintenance of your paver patio. It’s very important that you understand how weeds grow in between the paving stones. Once you know, you can take necessary steps to prevent weeds growing in future.

Weeds do not just grow out through the pave stones. They grow because of seedlings falling from the trees & birds nearby.  When overseeding the lawn, seeds can easily be thrown onto the patio where they start flourishing in the joints. Even a few seedlings can spread over your patio quickly as they are the experts in finding the right places to grow.

Stone paver patio

Installment of paving stones in a professional and proper way, and choosing the best quality materials may help prevent the growth of weeds. Stone pavers are considered to be the most durable and aesthetic ones for the patios and pathways. They can be designed through a variety of textures, shapes and colors. However, they require some degree of maintenance to keep them looking aesthetically good and away from weeds.

Here are a few effective measures you can take to dissuade the weeds from growing between your paving stones:

• Sweep and blow your paving stones thoroughly. This will prevent the seedlings from settling in between your patio pavers and also helps in the disrupting the established growth pattern between the pavers.

• Clean your paver patios regularly depending upon the degree of usage. Use warm water with a mop to remove fresh stains. There are many strong cleaning solutions that can be used along with water to clean the stone pavers. You can easily get these solutions from your nearby store.

• As stone pavers are very durable, they can be scrubbed when needed and can be pressure washed using a hose. However, if you have large weeds between the joints, they cannot be removed with a pressure washer and therefore you will have to remove them manually.

• When using a hose, direct the hose’s spray away from the joints and seams.

• Keep the paver surface dry as water retention can weaken the seams and leaves your patio with a dull look.

• Replace the sand in the joints, once the surface is dry.

• It is better if you incorporate sufficient slopes in your pathways or patios so as to allow the rainwater to drain easily towards the sides. Proper drainage helps to avoid weed growth that tends to increase in a cool and damp environment.

Removal of weeds

• As it is difficult to remove larger weeds with a pressure washer, it is better to remove them manually.

• Weeds retain moisture and tend to weaken polymeric sand joints.

• Pulling larger weeds from joints can cause loss of joint sand. Use an anti-weed agent to curb such problems.

• Use powder herbicides to sprinkle along the seams and joints.

• Use a solution that is organic and non-chemical like vinegar and boiling water over all the rooting zones. This helps to kill the already existing weeds as well as prevent them from further sprouting.

Sealing your patio pavers

• Guarding your patio or pathway against dulling and chipping caused by external weather conditions or excessive usage is very important. Sealing your pavers with a sealant helps maintain the surfaces’ brightness and longevity.

• Apply the sealant with a paintbrush or roller after cleaning, drying and touching up joint sand. Be sure your patio surface is completely clean and dry as debris can interfere with the bonding of the sealant to the pavers.